Hospitalists

Hospitalists are doctors, physician assistants and nurse practitioners who specialize in providing care for hospitalized patients.

Who will be in charge of my care while I am in the hospital?

Many primary care physicians no longer visit patients in the hospital, so they entrust hospitalists to care for you while you are in the hospital. Hospitalists also care for patients who do not have a primary care provider and partner with surgeons and other specialists to ensure your general medical needs are met.

What is the role of a hospitalist?

Hospitalists work solely in the hospital and do not run a traditional clinical practice. This allows them to be more available to patients and their families during their stay in the hospital. Because their specialty is hospital-based care, a hospitalist is able to stay current with the standards of care in a hospital setting. Hospitalists are able to focus their ongoing education on the newest trends in hospital care. This allows them to deliver up-to-date, high-quality care.

A hospitalist is available to patients around the clock.

What can I expect from the hospitalist?

You can expect the hospitalist to visit you at least once each day.

To manage your care and ensure your care is delivered in a way that is timely and efficient.

When necessary, the hospitalist will come back to see you a second time during the day to answer questions or further move your care forward.

If a family care conference is needed, a meeting will be arranged. If you would like to request a care conference, please ask a member of your care team.

When you are discharged from the hospital, the hospitalist will send a summary of your hospital care to your primary care doctor.

What are the benefits of having a hospitalist manage my care?

Timely communication with your primary doctor (the hospitalist usually communicates with your primary doctor when you are admitted, when you are discharged and as needed during your stay).

Well-managed and coordinated care.

Timely responses to questions regarding care.

Family and interdisciplinary care conferences, as needed.

A well-coordinated discharge plan and a summary of your care that is sent to your primary doctor.